Population Dynamics and Carrying Capacity

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to population dynamics, carrying capacity, and ecological interactions learned in the lecture.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the environment.

Exponential Growth

A growth pattern where a population increases by a fixed percentage during a fixed period, producing a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth

A growth pattern that begins with a period of exponential growth followed by a leveling off as the population reaches carrying capacity, depicted in an S-shaped curve.

Population Fluctuations

Variations in population size and density over time due to various factors including birth rates, death rates, and environmental changes.

Nutrient Pulse

A temporary increase in nutrient availability that can lead to rapid population growth of species such as algae.

Demographic Stochasticity

Random variations in birth and death rates due to the individual differences within a population.

Environmental Stochasticity

Random environmental fluctuations that affect population size and dynamics over time, influencing factors like food supply and predation.

Delayed Density Dependence

A phenomenon in population dynamics where the effects of population density on growth rates are not immediate, leading to time lags in population responses.

Intrinsic Rate of Reproduction (r)

The rate at which a population would grow if it had unlimited resources, often referred to simply as 'r'.

Overshoot

When a population temporarily exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.

Population Dynamics

The study of the size, composition, and distribution of populations over time, and the processes that drive changes in these characteristics.

Cohorts

Groups of individuals born in the same time period that are used for population studies.

Coexistence

The ability of multiple species to live in the same habitat without competitive exclusion.

Sustainable Pest Control

Methods of managing pest populations that minimize harm to the environment while effectively controlling pests.

Biological Control

Using living organisms, such as predators or parasites, to control pest populations.

Resource Limitation

A condition where the supply of necessary resources such as food, space, or nutrients is insufficient to support a population at its current size.